Pool Water Filters Are Great For Clear And Clean Pool Water

Pool Water Filters Are Great For Clear and Clean Pool Water

The filtration system for your swimming pool water filters out a wide variety of contaminants, some environmental and some caused by the swimmers themselves.

Pool water can become contaminated by leaves, pollen or dust carried by the wind. Algae growth must also constantly be kept in check. And let’s face it, the human body isn’t exactly the cleanest thing in the world! Swimmers contribute to the majority of pool water pollution by introducing contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, bodily fluids and suntan oil into the water.

The most common type of pool water filters are sand filters. The concept is simple: a pump circulates the water through the sand, which traps debris, keeping the water clear and clean. Chlorination, of course, disinfects the water and keeps bacteria under control. Diatomaceous earth filters are another type of commonly used pool water filter. A diatomaceous earth filter is capable of filtering out finer particles than sand can, but they do need more maintenance than a standard sand filter.

Filter sand substitutes that contain zeolite are another option. Zeolite filters as well as a DE filter with the added bonus of being able to absorb ammonia and reduce chlorine odors. Unlike a DE filter, a zeolite based filter does not require any extra maintenance, which is another reason for its growing popularity.

For pool water filters to work efficiently, the pump should be kept running for a minimum of six to eight hours per day. Most systems are equipped with a timer that turns the pump off and on to maintain a continuous cycle of filtration. The filtration process will remove floating particles from the water, but will have no effect on debris that has already settled to the bottom of the pool or attached itself to the pool walls. The sides and bottom of the pool will need to be cleaned manually by brushing, and the loosened debris vacuumed away with a special vacuum cleaner designed for pool cleaning.

In addition to cleaning the surfaces of the pool, the filter will also need to be cleaned regularly to remove the dirt that it has trapped. This is done by backwashing the filter. Backwashing pushes water the opposite way through the filter to flush out the trapped dirt. After backwashing the filter, the circulation through the filter will increase significantly, which is why it is important to flush the filter on a regular basis.

Many pool filtration systems have a pressure gauge, which is helpful because it tells you when it is time to flush the filter.

As pool water filters play such a vital role in the health of swimming pool water, it is a good idea to have a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it. If your pool filter is malfunctioning or not working to its full capacity, your swimming pool water can become not only unpleasant but unsafe to swim in. Maintaining a simple pool cleaning schedule will keep your swimming pool water looking clear and inviting to you and your guests.